India vs West Indies: India’s probable playing XI for 3rd T20 against West Indies

With just a few days to go for the tour of Australia, India are looking towards its reserves for the third and final T20 match against West Indies at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai on Sunday, November 11. India were ruthless in the first two T20s winning both the matches comfortably. The team management now has the luxury to test the squad depth as both teams prepare to lock horns on Sunday. After winning the first match, skipper Rohit Sharma led by example as he hit another century in the second T20 match in Lucknow. Sharma's unbeaten knock of 111 powered India to 194/6 in their 20 overs. The hosts followed this with an impressive bowling display as West Indies finished the innings at just 124/9 in their 20 overs. The victory saw India seal the series and can now afford to look forward to the tour of Australia that begins on November 21. Moreover the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) has also announced that few regular starters will be rested for the third T20 in Chennai. Let's take a look at how the hosts may line-up for India vs West Indies 3rd T20:

Probable playing XI for India vs West Indies 3rd T20

The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan is undoubtedly India's best opening pair in limited overs cricket right now. But with the series already in the bag, it looks unlikely that we will be seeing the pair taking the field in Chennai on Sunday. Captain Rohit Sharma may be rested keeping in mind the T20 series starting in Australia. This means that Shikhar Dhawan who has been struggling to find some form could be opening the innings with KL Rahul.

Home boy Dinesh Karthik is most likely to lead the side if Sharma is rested and will form India's batting line-up along with Rishabh Pant and Manish Pandey. There is also a slight possibility of Shreyas Iyer making an appearance after warming the bench for the last two T20 matches. Rishabh Pant who replaced MS Dhoni in the squad will need to justify his selection and will be under the scanner when he takes the field on Sunday.

In the absence of natural all-rounder Hardik Pandya, India has been getting the best out of his younger brother Krunal Pandya for the first two matches. But with Washington Sundar also in the fray, the spot for an all-rounder could go either ways for the third T20. BCCI on Friday announced that Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav and Umesh Yadav will be rested for the third T20 which means that there will be an overhaul in India's bowling department for the final match of the series.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar who missed the opening match of the series will lead the bowling attack alongside Khaleel Ahmed who has been impressive in the series so far. BCCI had also announced that Siddarth Kaul is called in to the side and the pacer could also feature in the starting line-up should the team management opt for an extra pacer. Among spinners, Kuldeep Yadav who has had an exceptional series is rested which means Yuzvendra Chahal becomes India's main spin option.

Although India has already won the series, the hosts would like to finish the series on a high and will not be complacent for the third T20. But with nothing to lose, India has the freedom to test out all the possibilities and will be providing a big opportunity for these youngsters to stand out.